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Dionysus (Bacchus) Sightings

Euripides' tragedy gives the full report on Dionysus, from his crazy birth story to his war on King Pentheus of Thebes. In fact, Dionysus himself gets to tell most of it, so we're pretty sure he'd approve.

The Frogs by Aristophanes405BC

Aristophanes was not psyched about the current state of tragic theater in his day. In his comedy, he depicts Dionysus as he travels to the Underworld to try to get some good playwrights back in the game. The god of wine ends up judging a contest between Aeschylus and Euripides to decide who deserves to return to the living world. Simon Cowell, watch out.

Bacchus by Michelangelo1497

If Michelangelo sculpts him, you know he's a big deal. Dionysus isn't in great form in this marble sculpture; he's a little tipsy, to say the least.

Fantasia by Disney1940

The god of wine brings the party to Disney's animated classic. He's definitely in his chubby form here, but he's not ashamed.

Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis1951

Dionysus shows up to help out Aslan in this fantasy adventure. He scares the kids a bit (no wonder) but spices up their adventure with some typical Dionysus fun. Dance party!

The Frogs by Burt Shevelove and Stephen Sondheim1974

In this modern musical remake of the comedy by Aristophanes, Dionysus once again travels to the Underworld to bring back a great playwright; this time, though, the contest is between George Bernard Shaw and William Shakespeare. Neat.